32 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) who had had no prior chemotherapy received vinblastine 0.15 mg/kg intravenously once weekly for 6 weeks, thereafter every second week, provided no major toxicity. Dose modifications were based on haematological and neurological side-effects. Only one complete response was observed among 26 evaluable patients (response rate: 4%; 95% confidence interval: 0-20%). 4 out of 29 patients developed grade 3 leukopenia. Grade 3 peripheral neurotoxicity was recorded in 2 patients. 2 patients had grade 3 alopecia. Vinblastine has no major significance on the clinical management of MRCC.